Faculty Guidance and FAQs – Teach Anywhere

Page-at-a-Glance

Top 5: Faculty Face-to-Face Guidance

Employees and students should check in daily using the check-in app if coming onsite.
If you feel ill, don’t come to on-site work, and complete the COVID-19 Questionnaire
Mask wearing is required as part of our return-to-work policy. Wear a facial covering while indoors, regardless of vaccination status. Unless alone in your office.
Do not ask employees or students about their vaccination status.
Students must also wear a mask, if students violate it first remind them, if they do not comply please follow the standard student discipline protocols.

If you have other questions, see the COVID-19 Website Frequently Asked Questions page or contact your chair or dean with any questions.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the campus closed?

The main campus and education centers remain closed to the general public until Monday, August 16. Please review the Palomar College COVID-19 Recovery Plan for detailed information on the repopulation of the main campus and education centers. If you need a quick visit to the main campus or an Educational Center, you can complete an Essential Campus Access Request Form to seek approval for a short work-related visit.

I would like access to my office. When is this access available?

We are so happy to be planning for our return to campus. The 2021 summer will be a time of major transition as we prepare for the return; fall 2021 will continue to see us through transition as well as we anticipate greater numbers of students, faculty, and staff to return. Fingers crossed that, by Spring 2022, we will have a complete return to campus. We appreciate the patience of all involved while we work to transition the entire campus back to onsite work. You can view the Faculty Office Use guidelines here.

Palomar College Releases COVID-19 Recovery Plan for Fall 2021

The Palomar College COVID-19 Recovery Plan (PCCRP) is designed to support a safe and healthy return to on-campus work and learning beginning in Fall 2021. We have also updated our Return to Campus Frequently Asked Questions. You can find them here. It is important to note, the PCCRP will be updated as the status of the pandemic changes in our region. Our main priority is to keep our students, employees, and campus community safe. The District will continue to monitor the situation and provide immediate updates if any changes occur.

The PCCRP represents the current status for the College, it may change as guidance is issued by the County of San Diego Public Health Department, Cal/OSHA, the California State Department of Public Health and the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
The Governing Board approved BP 7330and AP 7330 and reviewed and accepted the COVID-19 Employee Vaccination and Immunization Plan, which is included in the PCCRP.
The Governing Board also approved BP 5210 and AP 5210, which apply to students, and will receive and review the COVID-19 Vaccination and Immunization Plan for students at an upcoming meeting. This document is also included in the PCCRP.
The PCCRP also includes the COVID-19 Prevention Plan, which provides resources and direction to aid in the enforcement of the important health and safety measures designed to mitigate the spread of the COVID-19 virus and related variants.
The main campus and education centers will re-open to the general public on August 16 and our community partners will be able to reserve space through our standard Use of Facilities Request process at least three weeks in advance of the event/activity date.

Students and employees must adhere to the following:

Prior to coming to campus, students and employees are required to complete the daily health pre-screening form on the My Palomar App. Information on the App is
While indoors, all employees, students and visitors to campus are required to wear a facial covering, regardless of vaccination status. This includes classrooms and all campus meeting spaces.
Face coverings do not need to be worn outside, regardless of vaccination status. However, students and employees who are not fully vaccinated are encouraged to wear a face-covering outside when six (6) feet of social distancing is not possible.
Employees are prohibited from asking other employees and students about their vaccination status, as this is medically confidential information.

The following is specific guidance for employees:

Fully vaccinated employees may take their face covering off when working in their office alone.
The College continues to make safety a top priority, and having full knowledge of the number of vaccinated employees allows us to plan and implement plans accordingly. As such, the College is requiring that all employees submit their vaccination status if they have not already provided proof of vaccination. Human Resources will email a “Vaccination Confirmation Form” to all employees who have not yet submitted proof of vaccination. This form should be completed as soon as possible, but no later than September 30, 2021.
If you have been fully vaccinated, but have not yet submitted proof of vaccination, please send proof to Human Resources in one of three ways:
- (PREFERRED) Send an email to benefits@palomar.edu. In the subject line, enter “COVID-19 Proof of Vaccination”, and include your name, employee ID#, and proof.
- U.S. Mail: Palomar College (Attn: Benefits Office), 1140 W. Mission Rd., San Marcos, CA 92069
- Fax: (760) 761-3530
If you have lost or misplaced your physical vaccination card, please visit Digital COVID-19 Vaccine Record (ca.gov) to obtain a replacement digital copy of your vaccination card for the submission. You may also call the site you received your vaccination to request an additional physical vaccination card.

Vaccination

Will COVID-19 vaccinations be required of everyone?

The District is actively moving in this direction. With the Governing Board’s approval of BP/AP 5210 Communicable Disease (students) and BP/AP 7330 Communicable Disease (employees), the
District has developed an Employee Vaccination and Immunization Plan and Student Vaccination and Immunization Plan. Both plans will go into effect once a COVID-19 vaccine gains full approval
from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Once this occurs, employees and students will have six weeks to become fully vaccinated and provide proof of full vaccination to the District.

Do I need to be fully vaccinated to work on campus or attend face-to-face classes in Fall 2021?

The District has developed a Vaccination and Immunization Plan for employees and students. Both plans will go into effect once a COVID-19 vaccine gains full approval from the Food and
Drug Administration (FDA). Once this occurs, employees and students will have six weeks to become fully vaccinated and provide proof of full vaccination to the District. Both the Employee Vaccination and Immunization Plan and Student Vaccination and Immunization Plan include an exemption process, should an employee or student have a medical or religious reason that prevents them from being vaccinated.

Will the vaccination policy address booster shots?

Both BP/AP 5210 – Students and BP/AP 7330 – Employees give the District the ability to include boosters in its Vaccination and Immunization Plans. Based on current data, it is likely that
boosters will be recommended 6-12 months after your last shot (second shot with Pfizer and Moderna; first shot with J and J).

How are employees submitting their vaccination status to the District?

The College continues to make safety a top priority, having full knowledge of the number of vaccinated employees allows us to plan and implement plans accordingly. As such, the College is requiring that all employees submit their vaccination status if they have not already provided proof of vaccination. Human Resources will email a “Vaccination Confirmation Form” to all employees who have not yet submitted proof of vaccination. This form should be completed as soon as possible, but no later than September 30, 2021.

If you have been fully vaccinated, but have not yet submitted proof of vaccination, please send proof to Human Resources in one of three ways:

(PREFERRED) Send an email to benefits@palomar.edu. In the subject line, enter “COVID-19 Proof of Vaccination”, and include your name, employee ID#, and proof.
U.S. Mail: Palomar College (Attn: Benefits Office), 1140 W. Mission Rd., San Marcos, CA 92069
Fax: (760) 761-3530

If you have lost or misplaced your physical vaccination card, please visit Digital COVID-19 Vaccine Record (ca.gov) to obtain a replacement digital copy of your vaccination card for the submission. You may also call the site you received your vaccination to request an additional physical vaccination card.

What’s the plan for those who are immune comprised? If documentation is required, what will be considered official? Many physicians are not happy to be required to provide specific documentation.

The Employee Vaccination and Immunization Plan and Student Vaccination and Immunization Plan contain information related to the filing of medical and religious exemptions should an employee or student need to do so, as it relates to receiving the COVID-19 vaccine.

Can I receive a reasonable accommodation if I am caring for a family member who has not received the vaccine?

The accommodation process is covered in the American Disabilities Act (ADA) and is for employees with qualifying medical conditions they personally have. As such, the accommodation process does not cover this situation. More information on employee accommodations can be found here.

Will Palomar establish a policy on remaining current vis-a-vis immunization?

The District has established an Immunization and Vaccination Plan for both students and employees as it relates to a pandemic.

Can we consider easy ways to help students prove vaccination? Instead of requiring them to email a copy, perhaps they could meet with staff via Zoom and show their card?

The Vaccination and Immunization Plan for students includes information on the process for students to submit their proof of full vaccination. Students will be able to submit this information by logging into their My Palomar account.

Am I allowed to ask a student if they have been vaccinated?

No, you are not allowed to ask a student or employee if they have been vaccinated, as this is medically confidential information.

If we are vaccinated, can we work in our office one day per week after June 15?

All departments within the College are required to complete a Department Return to Campus Safety Plan to address the onsite work needs of employees. It is best to work directly with your supervisor to address specific needs. You may use your office starting June 15 in accordance with the schedule approved by the dean and VPI.
Prior to coming to campus, you are required to use the daily health pre-screening form on the My Palomar App. Whenever you are indoors on campus, you are required to wear a facial covering that covers your nose and mouth to help protect yourself and others.

Will figures be released for the % of students, staff, & faculty fully vaccinated at Palomar College?

These figures will change frequently. To view the current employee vaccination count click here. Students will be required to submit their COVID-19 vaccination record through their MyPalomar student account. Currently, vaccination figures for students are not available.

How will the vaccination policy be enforced for community members?

We will inform all community members who plan to use campus facilities of our vaccination plan. While we can’t require proof of vaccination from our community members, we will ask them to download the Palomar App and conduct a screening for body temperature and COVID19 symptoms and have their results with them upon entering the campus or education centers. Signage will be posted on entry doors to emphasize the requirement of facial coverings and the use of the health pre-screening questionnaire on the My Palomar App.

Return to Campus Planning & Considerations

If an employee doesn’t return to work on campus for Fall 2021, what are the implications?

The implications depend on the situation at hand. If an employee is requested to return face-to-face and has any concerns, they should immediately speak to their supervisor. Contact the Human Resources department at benefits@palomar.edu with questions regarding a reasonable accommodation through the ADA process.

If a person gets sick from COVID-19 from coming back to campus, will a person have to use their own sick time?

Employees who are ill with COVID-19 may have their sick leave covered under SB-95. Human Resources sent an email to the campus community on April 6, 2021 titled, “New California Law on COVID-19 Leaves (SB 95),” which outlined how the new law covers leave in certain situations. For more information, please click on the following link: COVID-19 Supplemental Paid Leave

If a family member or other close contact becomes ill (illness unknown, but like a child having a fever), should that employee stay home and work remotely?

An employee should not come to work if they are in close, regular contact with someone who has COVID-19-like symptoms. The employee should use existing “call out” procedures and complete a COVID-19 questionnaire found here when this situation occurs. If possible, the employee may telecommute, use personal leave, utilize sick leave, or use the COVID-19 Supplemental Paid Leave for Employees which is available until September 30, 2021. The employee must return to work immediately if it is determined that the sick individual does not have COVID-19.

I am teaching a face-to-face class in the fall. What happens if a student gets COVID-19 and exposes others in our class?

If a student or employee has COVID-19, they should report their case via the COVID-19 questionnaire found here. The COVID-19 Response Action Team (CRAT) will engage with the individual and determine if they may have exposed colleagues or classmates. If an exposure has occurred, all employees and students who are impacted will receive a notification with recommendations to prevent further exposure and to seek medical advice, if necessary. While unlikely due to the life span of the virus on surfaces, there is a possibility that the class or work area will be quarantined or require disinfection.

Is it OK for me to meet with a student in my office?

Yes. However, whenever indoors on campus, students and employees are required to wear a facial covering that covers their nose and mouth to help protect themselves and others. It is important to adhere to this requirement when conducting meetings in your office, in the classroom, and indoor meeting spaces.

Will public venues like the Cashiers Office, Food Pantry, Library, etc. require masks?

These are enclosed indoor common areas of the campus, and facial coverings are required regardless of vaccination status.

Will district requirements be established for areas such as the Student Union and outside areas?

Per the guidance from the California Public Health Department and the County of San Diego Department of Public Health Services, effective June 15, vaccinated individuals are not required to wear facial coverings outdoors. Facial coverings are required no matter the status of vaccination when you are in indoor areas of the campus.

What about face masks in public spaces as well as private offices?

Facial coverings are required, no matter the status of vaccination when you are in indoor common areas of the campus. Fully vaccinated individuals are not required to wear a facial covering outdoors except at crowded events. If fully vaccinated and in an office alone, an individual is not required to wear a facial covering.

If alone in my office can I take off my face covering?

Only if you are fully vaccinated. For the Fall 2021 semester, face coverings are always required indoors. This includes classrooms and all campus meeting spaces. Fully vaccinated employees may take their face covering off when working in their office alone. Face coverings do not need to be worn outside, regardless of vaccination status. However, employees who are not fully vaccinated are encouraged to wear a face-covering outside when six (6) feet of social distancing is not possible. Employees are prohibited from asking other employees and students about their vaccination status, as this is medically confidential information.

Will masks be made available in offices, just as in classrooms, so that staff can provide them to students or others who come into an office without a mask?

Disposable facial coverings will be placed in classrooms, high traffic areas, and in each department. Employees may receive a reusable/washable facial covering, by completing a facilities remedy request. Departments that have not received a supply for disposable facial coverings, may submit a facilities remedy request to receive a supply.

What contact number should be used, and what is the protocol, if someone enters an office, and refuses to put on a mask?

Potential COVID-19 hazards at District worksites or facilities, and potential violations of safety policies and/or procedures, can be reported to a manager or supervisor, or by calling a confidential phone number at 760-891-7415, or extension 7415. Campus police should only be called as a last resort. Employees should work with non-compliant individuals in the following manner: (1) ask them to comply with the facial covering mandate and offer a disposable facial covering. (2) Employees should also communicate that we cannot provide the service requested until they comply with the facial covering mandate. (3) If they continue to refuse, you may ask the individual to leave and provide contact information for them to receive assistance via email, phone, or zoom. (4) If the individual continues to be non-compliant, inform them that you have done all you can do and that they must leave and if they choose not to do so, you will have to ask someone to escort them from the premises for non-compliance with our COVID-19 protocols.

Will there be enforcement of social distancing, for example, a maximum number of students/employees/guests who can enter specific rooms on campus, including restrooms, elevators, lobbies and offices?

Appropriate signage will be installed at the entryways with a specific indication of the number of maximum individuals permitted at one time in specific public spaces. Guidelines will be enforced accordingly. As guidance is updated, this information will be issued.

When PPE is requested as part of the Return to Campus Safety Plan, will the items be provided at the department and continuously refreshed?

If you have included a request for PPE or changes to a layout, you must still send an email to FacilitiesRemedy@palomar.edu to finalize the request. If PPE needs to be replenished, please submit a new Facilities Remedy as this will not be done automatically.

What about for nursing mothers, will the pumping pods be available, or will they have options?

Access to the Nursing Pod on the 4th floor of the LRC will be provided. Individuals are required to check in at the main circulation desk, where an escort will be provided to the 4th floor, which is otherwise closed.

How is the repopulation plan going to work at the centers?

Each department will evaluate their area individually and will plan to staff according to their return to campus plan. Departments may also continue offering virtual student support services. Students located at an Education Center may need to use the remote services at the main campus.

Would it be possible to offer crisis management or de-escalation training for staff through PD?

That can benefit staff working with college students and staff working off-site with middle school or high school students. We will be working with students who have not had the structure for over a year and we might encounter situations that may need additional training and support.

We are planning to record a training over the summer regarding how to respond to a crisis in the face-to-face environment, which will supplement our training for the online environment. Fall Plenary will also have training focused on responding to students in distress and de-escalation. We will be recommending that Student Services and other employees be allowed to join these Plenary pieces of training as well, or we will come up with another way to provide training for staff who cannot join Plenary.

Due to the pandemic, there has been an increase in individuals experiencing trauma and anxiety. Have you considered some form of trauma-informed training for staff? This would be beneficial as to how we serve our coworkers as well as our students.

We are working on bringing Trauma-Informed Practices to Best Support College Students training to Palomar this Summer/Fall. In the Fall, additional resources will be provided to employees to support emotional wellness as an outcome of the employee emotional support survey. You can view the survey results and current additional resources here.

If we are relying on a self-monitoring app, how can you be confident that individuals are answering the questions honestly?

Employees who are feeling ill/experiencing symptoms should stay home and not to come to work. Employees should contact their supervisor if they are ill. The District adheres to all guidance on quarantine, isolation, and testing from the California Department of Public Health and San Diego County Public Health Department. Finally, all supervisors should contact Human Resource Services if they have any questions on how to handle ill employees.

Are employees able to ask students if they have a campus pass from the My Palomar App?

You are more than welcome to remind students and employees to use the pre-screening app. The EOC will be auditing the use of the health pre-screening app and will address concerns accordingly. Signage has been placed at entrances and on entry doors to buildings to inform individuals of the requirement to use the app.

Is there a likelihood that the Return to Campus Safety plans may change after it is submitted and approved?

It is possible for a plan to change due to the fact that the College is required to adhere to health and safety guidelines as provided by the California Department of Public Health and County of San Diego Department of Public Health Services. If a specific department’s return to campus plan has changed after it has been approved by the EOC, the department should work with their Dean/Director and Vice President to amend and approve the new plan. If you need to add additional employees to the plan, rather than amend and resubmit a new plan, make sure that your supervisor has added those employees to the On-Site Essential Employee Roster.

If we no longer require the district laptop, what’s the process for returning it?

Please view the Steps for Technology Equipment Return on the Information Services website. You will need your original Equipment Removal form and need to make an appointment to return the items. You can make an appointment here.

If, in our Return to Campus Safety Plan, we include needs from Information Services (IS) order form (ie: laptops, docking stations, mics/web cams), will those need to be returned to IS in future semesters or will they be a permanent part of our department/office?

These items will most likely become a part of the department, depending on the type of equipment. IS will likely ask for extra monitors and secondary laptops/docking stations to be returned to IS supply.

How do we go about getting cameras on our computers in our offices?

Include a list of cameras/headsets/equipment that need to be installed as a part of Return to Campus Safety Plans, followed by the creation of an IS work order.

Will the library and food services be open in the fall?

The library will be open for limited hours at San Marcos during the fall, and we’ll still be offering full services online. Aramark has submitted a preliminary plan to return to campus more fully in the fall. Like other areas of the campus, a return-to-campus safety plan has been requested.

Will the College continue to use AdobeSign, even though staff are coming back to campus and could shift back to paper approvals?

The District aims to minimize paper processes to improve business efficiency and to minimize waste. AdobeSign and all other digital/electronic processes will be retained as part of our standard business practices. Additionally, the District has other digital platforms such as Microsoft Forms, Giddeon Taylor Forms, and various tools that should make us more efficient as we move forward.

Workspace Safety and Building Preparations

When are the HVAC engineers going to assess the buildings? When should we expect the improvements to be installed?

HVAC Engineers have conducted a comprehensive assessment of all buildings on the main campus and education centers. The facilities team is planning to have all safety measures installed prior to the return to campus date of August 16. Updated information can be found here.

Which buildings will have new HVAC installed prior to the return to campus in Fall 2021?

HVAC Engineers have conducted a comprehensive assessment of all buildings on the main campus and education centers. Based on these findings, considerations may be made for extreme cases if the current HVAC system cannot be modified or utilized to address air changes and filtration guidelines. . Updated information can be found here.

Is the dome being considered for HVAC?

Yes, including other measures such as the use of fans.

Are air purifiers available for us in the offices of older buildings that have no windows?

This is a possibility in extreme cases where the HVAC system cannot be modified nor utilized to address air changes and filtration.

What about the use of outside air being filtered in?

HVAC Engineers are looking at this including the use of outside air.

Will ventilation control and temperature control for offices be tested before employees are asked to be in the buildings?

Yes, testing will be done to ensure requirements are met prior to August 15.

What steps will be taken to examine the air circulation and options for the trailers housing DSPS, health center, etc.?

HVAC Engineers have included these areas in their analysis. Remedies will be addressed prior to August 15.

Please clarify whether cleaning is planned for only at the end of the day or after each student uses an area.

A comprehensive cleaning will be planned at periodic times based on CDC guidelines. Shared workspaces should be wiped clean after each use. Sanitizing wipes can be ordered through a facilities remedy request by sending an email to FacilitiesRemedy@palomar.edu.

Telecommuting

How do I get reimbursed for expenses associated with telecommuting?

Telecommuting supply reimbursement details inclusive of the workflow is on the Fiscal Services website.

Will the District potentially look at contracts to add potential remote work?

The District intends to implement a permanent telecommute policy for positions that can still serve the educational mission of the institution in a remote capacity. Remote work will be the exception, not the rule. Work on the policy is ongoing and will go through the appropriate negotiation process with our union partners to discuss the impacts.

COVID-19 Screening Information

What type of COVID-19 screening will be ongoing?

Prior to coming to campus, students and employees are required to use the daily health prescreening form on the My Palomar App. Information on the App is here.

How will the Palomar College mobile COVID-19 app work? What about fully vaccinated students & employees?

All students and employees, regardless of vaccination status, are required to complete a set of questions on the My Palomar App regarding body temperature and COVID-19 symptoms. Depending on the answers to these questions, the app will provide an indication if you should stay home or come to campus. Employees and students should keep their daily results with them. Information on the App is here.

What about devices for temperature screening as a failsafe beyond proof of vaccination as the semester proceeds?

Prior to coming to campus, students and employees are required to use the daily health prescreening form on the My Palomar App. Information on the App is here.

Community Use of Facilities

Do we have any updates about Summer and Fall for facility usage for outside (non-Palomar) groups?

The main campus and education centers will be open for use by external organizations as of August 16.

How will the vaccination policy be enforced for community members?

We will inform all community members who plan to use campus facilities of our vaccination plan. While we can’t require proof of vaccination from our community members, we will ask
them to download the My Palomar App, conduct a screening for body temperature and COVID19 symptoms, and have their results available when they come to the campus or education
centers. Information on the App is here.

Remote Instruction

How do I access the 3PD Portal?

Click here to access: https://www.palomar.edu/pd/.

On the left-hand side navigation, click on the “3PD Portal (Click Here)” link. Log in using your Palomar credentials. Then click on the “3PD Portal” button. This will take you to the page where you can view upcoming Professional Development opportunities (“Register for PD Workshops” button) and/or view the General Information discussions (“College News and General Information” button).

Are proctoring services still available for exams?

In-person proctoring services are temporarily suspended at San Marcos (STAR), Fallbrook (TLC), and Rancho Bernardo (TLC). The college has a license to Proctorio, an automated remote proctoring service that is integrated into Canvas for quizzes or exams. Please contact the ATRC for additional questions and support (atrc@palomar.edu).

What are the different class formats?

Palomar Class Formats

Traditional Online/Asynchronous (Online Only)
- A fully online class with no real-time meeting requirements, all content is delivered via Canvas. The course has due dates set by the instructor, but students can complete the work on their schedule before the deadline. Tests and quizzes also have deadlines but will be completed by students online.
Mixed Online/Synchronous (Online Only)
- A fully online experience with the added benefit of real-time, regularly scheduled classroom-type interaction, students will not come to campus. A mixed online class will require real-time online meetings (via Zoom) that occur on scheduled days at scheduled times. Quizzes, tests, and other coursework may be completed outside of the online Zoom meetings by the due date set by the instructor. Instructors may assign tests, quizzes, etc., on the regular schedule as well.
Mixed Online/Campus (Online & On-Campus)
- A class that is partly online and partly on campus, the course includes scheduled, on-campus meetings through the semester as well as class materials completed online. The course is offered through Canvas. The assignments and assessments can be done in person in a classroom or online through Canvas and Zoom meetings.
Face-to-Face/Campus (In-Person, On-Campus Instruction)
- A traditional form of class with set, on-campus meeting times each week. Students and the instructor meet regularly in a classroom but can still use Canvas to deliver assignments, activities and tests. Canvas can also be used to communicate with students outside of class and track grades.

Can I require students to meet on Zoom outside of class time indicated on the course schedule?

No. Faculty teaching classes without meeting times cannot require students to meet on Zoom for class credit. Also, faculty teaching synchronous classes cannot require students to meet beyond the time listed in the course schedule.

Zoom

What is Zoom “Bombing”?

A new form of trolling in which a participant uses Zoom’s screen-sharing feature, audio or video to interrupt and disrupt meetings and classes.

How can I help prevent Zoom “Bombing”?

Zoom has many suggestions to help prevent this from occurring that you can find on this COVID-19 website. Some of these suggestions are to have a waiting room for your meeting or set a password for your meeting. You may also want to turn off screen sharing for participants by default and only turn it on when needed.

What can I do if someone is misbehaving in my Zoom meeting?

You can always remove a participant from your meeting if they are not abiding by the rules.

Is there a difference between Zoom accounts through Palomar College and Zoom accounts directly from Zoom?

Yes! Zoom is the application that literally anyone anywhere can use to hold video meetings. TechConnect Zoom provides licensed accounts for Palomar’s faculty and staff to use*. These licensed accounts (or “pro accounts”) have less limitations and more features than the regular, free Zoom.us accounts. Once you have a Zoom account through Palomar College, you will be able to link it to Canvas and access from within your course Canvas pages. Students are able to participate in any event without having a Zoom account.

How do I create my Zoom account through Palomar College?

To set up your Zoom account you will need to log into the Palomar Portal (https://idmpg.palomar.edu/sso/) and look for the Zoom tile and click on it. That will automatically set up your Palomar Zoom account.

If, however, you don’t have that tile, you’ll need to request from the Information Services Helpdesk (helpdesk@palomar.edu or X2140) that they add that tile to your Portal screen. Once they have the tile established in the Portal for you, you’ll need to click it to get your account set up.

Is there anything special Adjunct Faculty need to know about Zoom?

Yes. You need to establish a Zoom account for each of the colleges where you work. This is because your Zoom account needs to be registered with the exact same email address you use to access your college’s Canvas account. (Note: This applies to everyone, not just Adjunct Faculty; however, Adjuncts are most likely to be impacted by this, as they are most likely to teach at multiple institutions.)

Can I access Zoom from within Canvas?

Yes. In order to do so, you must ensure the link is visible. Inside your course, the left-hand side navigation has a series of links (Home, Syllabus, Announcements, Assignments, etc). The one you want to be sure is listed is named “Zoom.” If you do not see it listed, click on the last one listed, “Settings.” Once there, click on the tab up top labeled “Navigation.” Scroll down the list and drag Zoom up into the active section. Lastly, scroll to the bottom of the page and hit “Save.” You will now see the Zoom link listed on the left-hand side navigation toolbar.

Scheduling meetings for your classes

When scheduling meetings for your classes, it is important to use the “Zoom” link from within Canvas. By creating these schedules inside of Canvas, your students will be able to see upcoming meetings and easily click to join.

Resources for Your Students

This is a confusing and stressful time for everyone, especially our students. The following information may prove helpful in answering some frequently asked questions from your students. Please feel free to share this information with them.

How do I keep my students informed of changes due to COVID-19?

Please remind your students to check their Palomar email, as this is the only official email address for correspondence. Additionally, please refer students to the College’s COVID-19 website. Palomar also has a Student FAQ.

The Chancellor’s Office has set up a web page for students as well: https://www.cccco.edu/About-Us/Chancellors-Office/Divisions/Communications-and-Marketing/Novel-Coronavirus/students

Are there resources I can share with my students to answer their questions?

Yes. Palomar’s team has been hard at work preparing robust guides and FAQs geared toward students. Please see the following excellent resources (hyperlinked):

How do I help students who do not have internet access?

Plans are being solidified to allow remove access to software for our students. Additionally, many businesses are offering specials for those impacted by COVID-19, effective Monday March 16th:

Comcast: Offering 60 days free internet (new subscribers) and increased internet speeds (for all). For full details, click here.
Spectrum: Offering two-months free internet for students. For full details, click here. More information regarding services and COVID-19 can be located here. Additionally, Spectrum offers low-cost internet for qualifying households (details here).
Cox: Offers some assistance during this COVID-19 pandemic, including one month free in their Connect2Compete program. Locate information here.
AT&T: Offers a low-cost internet plan for qualifying households (details here). Additional COVID-19 related information/specials can be found here.

How do I help my students if they need money or a computer?

Palomar College’s Foundation is offering emergency grants in the amounts of $100 – $250 to help assist students with technology, internet access, work-gap challenges or essential needs. Please direct your student to the application on the Foundation’s website by clicking here.

How do I help my students if they don’t have the class textbook?

The Foundation is awarding emergency grants that can be used for textbooks: Emergency Funds – Palomar Foundation.
The bookstore is partnering with publishers for free eBooks – it’s worth a try to see if your textbook is included in case your students don’t have copies. Be sure to have the ISBN, Title, and Edition information for your students (details here).
Palomar College Library is also offering guidance for faculty with copyright and finding electronic copies of textbooks (click here).

Textbook Rental Check-ins/ Returns

Can I come to the bookstore to check-in my rental textbooks for this term?

Our bookstore store is closed. You can ship rentals back to the store via a free FedEx return label.

Two ways to get a Rental Return Label

Wait for the rental reminder email that is sent 14 days before your rental due date. Email is sent again 7 days, 3 days, and the day of your due date. This email contains a link to generate a free return shipping label and packing
Or you can immediately generate a free return shipping label on bookstore website, in your account:
1. Click the Sign In link on the top right side of the page to sign into your
2. Enter the email address you provided at the register when you rented. Note: Even if you rented in the store, an account was created using the email you provided at the
3. If you don’t know your password, you can click Forgot Password link for a temporary password to be emailed to you.

Once you’ve signed in, click the link “Rentals”. You will be navigated to the Rentals page in your
On Rentals page, scroll down the page to see the books you rented. Click the link “Return All Rentals by Mail”. You can also click the button “Return by Mail”. Both open a pop up to select your rentals to ship back.
Follow the steps to generate and print the return label and packing slip. This option is available until your rental due

Because the campus is closed, I cannot bring in my rented textbooks. Will I get charged for the textbooks due to missing the due date?

While the due date for rented books has not changed, the “non-return charge date” has been extended 15 days past your current return due date to allow time for your mailed book to reach the store. To avoid late charges, please have your book in transit by the due date.

Can I BUY or EXTEND my rentals on the website?

If you originally rented your textbook in the store, there is no option to buy or extend the rental on the website at this time. If you rented your textbook online, you have an option to buy or extend the rental on the bookstore website on the Rentals page:

Textbook Purchases and Previous Orders

I placed an order online for pickup, but the bookstore is closed. What should I do?

Please contact the campus store using the steps below and someone will assist you. Please allow several business days for the staff to respond, as they are working to answer all order inquiries.

Click “Contact Store” in the footer of the bookstore website.
Under “Questions & Comments” section, you can fill out the form to send an email to the
Ensure to provide your Web Order

I placed an order but I have not received any confirmation my item has shipped. What’s going on?

Your item may be shipping from a location that has closed due to COVID-19 concerns. Your order will be filled when we are able to access that location again. Items that are in this situation are marked as “backordered” on the website. However, when you placed your order, the ship-from location may not yet have been closed or was in the process of closing so this backorder status may not have been displaying, check the item again now for confirmation.

Sorry for the inconvenience during this uncertain time. If you wish to cancel an order in this status, use the same contact form described above.

I need to purchase upcoming term textbooks and supplies; do I need to come to the store?

No, instead you can order from the bookstore website. You can choose from a variety of shipping options or schedule a time for contactless pick-up from the San Marcos Campus.

Selling Back Textbooks (Book Buyback)

Can I sell my textbooks back to the bookstore?

You can sell back books online (ship your books) through the “Sell Your Textbooks” link in the footer of the bookstore website.

(U.S. Stores Only) How to Sell Your Textbooks Online

Click the “Sell Your Textbooks” link from the website
On the Sell Your Textbooks page, refer to the Online section and click “Sell Your Textbooks”

Are there any resources for helping students use Zoom?

Yes! The Associated Student Government (ASG) has put together an excellent guide outlining using Zoom for meetings, directed toward students. You can access that guide by clicking here (Google Doc created by Rachel Alazar, ASG Secretary).

Resources for Employees

Many of our colleagues have been hard at work preparing excellent resources. Please find links to these below.

Employee Information and FAQs

Visit the Human Resources Site for answers to questions impacting all campus employees.

COVID-19 Vaccine Website

Visit the Vaccinate CA website to find a COVID-19 vaccination.

Latest Coronavirus Updates

Visit the Palomar COVID-19 website, updated with the most recent announcements regarding COVID-19 and the impacts on campus.